What happened
On January 29, 2013, an EMB-202 agricultural aircraft, registration PT-UIC, crashed while performing aerial application of urea in the rural area of Inhanduí, Alegrete, Rio Grande do Sul. The aircraft had departed from a temporary landing strip at approximately 18:00 UTC. During the application process, the aircraft suddenly struck trees in a riparian forest before impacting the ground. The collision occurred at a high velocity with a steep negative pitch angle. The impact caused the aircraft to explode, and the subsequent fire destroyed the airframe.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and the pilot's medical findings. The investigation noted that the aircraft's engine and propeller had very few hours of operation since being overhauled, and the aircraft was within its weight and balance limits. Maintenance records for the airframe, engine, and propeller were found to be up to date and adequate.
Post-mortem analysis of the pilot revealed a 14% carboxyhemoglobin saturation and the presence of ethyl alcohol in the blood. However, investigators could not definitively conclude that the pilot was under the influence of alcohol during the flight, as the presence of alcohol could have resulted from contamination during the post-crash fire. The investigation also considered the possibility of spatial disorientation, noting that the high-energy impact and negative pitch angle were more consistent with disorientation than a stall.
Findings
- Spatial disorientation was a primary suspected factor, suggested by the high-energy impact and the aircraft's steep downward pitch at the moment of collision.
- Fatigue could not be ruled out, as the pilot's typical work schedule involved very early starts and late finishes, which might have impaired psychomotor responses.
- Organizational deficiencies were noted, specifically the lack of formal operational procedures, safety flight records, or management oversight regarding pilot work hours within the operator, Cristal Aviação Agrícola LTDA.
- The presence of alcohol remained undetermined due to potential post-crash contamination.
Safety action
CENIPA issued a safety recommendation to the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to work with the operator to establish formal management supervision and flight safety mechanisms to better control pilot activities.